The church of St Germain Monastery life starts at 04.30 with a vigil. I didn't make that, but got up early, packed up and was at breakfast at 07.00. There I saw a rare and beautiful thing - Kettles. Which meant a proper cup of tea (even with the accursed Lipton's teabag) for breakfast. I …
Continue reading Camino Stage 4: Day 5 – Abbaye de Rivet to Langon Hospital
The old bridge at Pondaurat Up quite early, and after breakfast, and a picnic Nicole insisted on making up for me, I was off by 8am. My feet were feeling better, and appreciated walking in some soft flat shoes I have with me. But they are only good for road walking, so after 4k, I …
Continue reading Camino Stage 4: Day 4 – La Réole to Abbaye de Rivet
La Réole "Listen to your body", they said. Everyone says it. "Listen to your body." The people at pain management say it, so does my doctor, so does my osteopath (the excellent James), and so does Vladimir the scary body-building Moldovan sports masseur, who looks like a dwarf from the Lord of the Rings who …
Continue reading Camino Stage 4: Day 3 – Saint Ferme to La Réole
Vines and an ancient tower at Haute Bonnetie This was my first walking day. I was up early after a good night's sleep, and ready before Breakfast, so I was on the road by 7.22. Sainte-Foy was wrapped in quite heavy mists; Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness This made walking along the road rather …
Continue reading Camino Stage 4: Day 2 – Sainte-Foy-la-Grande to Saint Ferme
La Gare du Nord, Paris. Laurence and I were in London yesterday for his daughter's wedding (a touching civil ceremony followed a marvellous blended Anglo-Lebanese feast and dancing - thank you Annabel and Nabil) and stayed over with family in very chic Hackney. We were up silly early, and Laurence kindly dropped me at St …
Continue reading Camino Stage 4: Day 1 – London to Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Seven floors, before lifts existed. I had a broken night with my ankle, but managed to get myself in and out of a bath safely. The trouble with my booted ankle was not only was it still rather painful, but it made getting myself around a very slow business. I had breakfast and then packed …
Continue reading Camino Stage 3: Day 11 – Bordeaux to Southwell
From The Quire 